Energy

in committee · Iowa · House Feb 23, 2026

HSB 629: A bill for an act relating to solar energy by establishing a community solar facility program.

HSB 629 establishes Iowa's community solar facility program, allowing residents and businesses to subscribe to shared solar projects and receive bill credits for the electricity generated. The bill defines key terms like "community solar facility" (capped at 5 megawatts, or 20 MW on brownfield sites) and requires facilities to have at least three subscribers, with 60% of capacity subscribed by customers using 40 kW or less. It clarifies that community solar does not count as a public utility or unnecessary duplication of infrastructure, and mandates utilities to provide bill credits that roll over monthly if they exceed a subscriber's bill. The program also sets a statewide 250-megawatt capacity limit until a new solar valuation method is adopted.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyEstablishes Iowa's community solar program, enabling shared renewable energy access with 60% low-capacity user requirement. Promotes solar infrastructure and consumer participation in clean energy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar

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in committee · Iowa · House Jan 13, 2026

HF 2001: A bill for an act relating to water efficiency of data centers, including requirements for water-efficient cooling technologies and encouragement for the use of nonpotable and recycled water sources, providing civil penalties, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

HF 2001 requires new data centers (permit applications on or after January 1, 2026) and existing data centers expanding or renovating after that date to use cooling technologies that limit water consumption to a maximum of 0.2 liters per kilowatt-hour of energy used. It mandates data centers to submit water usage plans before construction and provide annual compliance reports for five years, while encouraging the use of nonpotable or recycled water sources like treated wastewater or stormwater for cooling. Violations may result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per day, corrective action orders, or permit suspension. The bill directly affects data centers consuming at least one megawatt of electricity annually, aiming to reduce strain on Iowa’s freshwater resources.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates water-efficient cooling tied to energy use (0.2L/kWh), directly promoting energy efficiency in data centers per bill's core requirement.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires water-efficient cooling tech and recycled water use, directly conserving water resources and reducing consumption in data centers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 17, 2026

HF 2081: A bill for an act establishing standards for obstruction lights on wind energy conversion facilities and providing penalties.

HF 2081 requires wind energy facilities (turbines generating over 100 kilowatts) built on or after July 1, 2026, to use aircraft detection lighting systems (ADLS) for obstruction lights, with existing facilities needing to switch by January 1, 2028. The ADLS automatically activates lights when aircraft are detected, turning them off after the aircraft passes, and must be FAA-approved. Facility owners must maintain continuous ADLS operation, with exemptions for locations where ADLS is impractical due to terrain, airports, or military routes. Violations incur civil penalties of $100-$2,500 per day, with fines going to the state general fund. This bill directly affects wind energy facility owners and operators in Iowa.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires ADLS for wind facilities to reduce unnecessary lighting, increasing energy efficiency in renewable infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Wind

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 11, 2026

HSB 522: A bill for an act relating to electric utility resource planning.

This bill requires rate-regulated electric utilities in Iowa to file a comprehensive resource plan at least every three years. The plan must evaluate all reasonable energy sources - including supply options and conservation programs - to meet future demand over 5- and 20-year timeframes, incorporating approved energy efficiency initiatives. Utilities must include proposed resource additions for each scenario studied but cannot be mandated to specific outcomes. The commission must acknowledge receipt within 90 days and may suggest improvements, while the bill establishes a stakeholder process involving consumers, the commission, and the state load forecasting center for input during planning.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires evaluation of all energy sources including renewables and efficiency programs, promoting clean energy planning without mandating specific outcomes.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires utilities to evaluate conservation programs and energy efficiency initiatives, promoting resource conservation and reduced emissions per bill summary.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Transmission Utility Regulation Conservation

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 3, 2026

SSB 3025: A bill for an act relating to the excise tax on certain ethanol blended gasoline purchased exclusively for use in an implement used in agricultural production.

This bill exempts ethanol-blended gasoline containing over 85% ethanol from Iowa's excise tax when purchased exclusively for use in farm equipment. It directly affects Iowa farmers and agricultural businesses that use such fuel in machinery for farming operations. The key provision removes the tax at the point of purchase (at terminals or refineries) for qualifying fuel, eliminating the need to pay the tax and seek a refund under current law. This change applies specifically to gasoline meeting the 85% ethanol threshold used solely in agricultural implements, streamlining the tax process for this sector.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts ethanol-blended gasoline tax for farmers, providing direct tax relief to agricultural sector under tax exemptions.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExempts high-ethanol fuel from tax, promoting renewable energy use in agriculture by reducing costs for farmers using ethanol-blended gasoline.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SSB 3054: A bill for an act relating to utility disconnections of gas and electricity services during severe weather.

This bill prohibits Iowa gas and electric utilities from disconnecting service to homes during periods of severe cold or severe hot weather. It directly affects residential customers who rely on these utilities, preventing service shutoffs when extreme temperatures pose health risks. The bill requires the Iowa Utilities Commission to establish specific rules defining "severe cold" and "severe hot" weather, building on existing rules for cold weather. The commission will determine the exact temperature thresholds and conditions under which disconnections are banned. This creates a new policy requirement for utilities to maintain service during extreme weather events.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill protects residential consumers from utility disconnections during extreme weather, aligning with consumer protection in energy infrastructure policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

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in committee · Iowa · House Feb 9, 2026

HSB 561: A bill for an act relating to the excise tax on certain ethanol blended gasoline purchased exclusively for use in an implement used in agricultural production.

This bill exempts ethanol-blended gasoline containing over 85% ethanol (E-85) from Iowa's excise tax when purchased at a terminal or refinery rack exclusively for use in farm machinery. It directly affects Iowa farmers and agricultural businesses that use E-85 fuel in tractors, harvesters, and other equipment for crop production. The key provision removes the requirement to pay the tax upfront and seek a refund under current law, making the exemption automatic for this specific agricultural use. This change applies only to fuel bought for farm equipment, not general vehicle use.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesExempts agricultural E-85 fuel from excise tax, reducing state tax revenue for this category. Direct tax cut for farmers weakens tax collection.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExempts E-85 ethanol fuel tax for agricultural use, directly promoting renewable energy adoption in farming operations by reducing costs for renewable fuel.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax

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died · Iowa · House May 2, 2026

HF 2071: A bill for an act modifying the sales or use tax refund for biodiesel production.

HF 2071 increases Iowa's tax refund for biodiesel producers from 4 cents to 5 cents per gallon. The refund amount is calculated by multiplying this new rate by the total gallons of biodiesel produced quarterly within the state. The bill also extends the program's expiration date from January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2031. This directly affects Iowa-based biodiesel producers by increasing their quarterly tax refund.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax refund rate for biodiesel producers (4¢→5¢/gal) and extends program, providing targeted tax relief and strengthening biofuel industry incentives within tax policy.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyIncreases tax refund for biodiesel producers, directly funding renewable energy production and extending incentives through 2031.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncreases tax refund for biodiesel producers, promoting renewable energy use and reducing fossil fuel dependence through financial incentives.92% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill increases tax refund for biodiesel producers, promoting sustainable transportation fuel use and supporting alternative energy in vehicle fuels.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax

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introduced · Iowa · Legislature

5520DP: Utility Disconnections, Severe Weather (5520DP) - Utilities Commission

Iowa bill 5520DP requires the Utilities Commission to adopt rules prohibiting gas and electricity disconnections from residential properties during periods of severe cold or severe hot weather. The bill directs the Commission to define "severe weather" in its rules, building on existing cold-weather protections. This change directly affects residential utility customers by preventing service interruptions during extreme temperature events, as specified by the Commission's adopted definitions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPrevents utility disconnections during severe weather, protecting residential consumers from service interruptions during critical conditions, aligning with consumer protection in energy infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents utility disconnections during severe weather, protecting residential tenants from service interruptions during extreme temperatures, aligning with tenant protection policies.90% confidence

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in committee · Iowa · Senate Feb 20, 2025

SF 357: A bill for an act establishing a neighborhood housing revitalization assistance program within the Iowa finance authority.

SF 357 creates a neighborhood housing revitalization program within Iowa's Finance Authority to provide forgivable loans for home improvements in designated urban and rural areas. It directly affects homeowners who own and occupy their homes in these targeted zones, covering eligible repairs like roof replacements, electrical upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, and accessibility modifications. The program establishes a dedicated fund using unobligated transfers from other state funds, federal grants, or donations, with unspent money rolling over annually instead of reverting to the general fund. The authority will set rules for loan amounts, eligible work, and income-based forgiveness criteria.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly includes 'energy efficiency improvements' as eligible repairs for forgivable loans under housing revitalization program, advancing energy efficiency in residential properties.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates forgivable loans for home improvements (roofs, energy efficiency) in designated areas, directly funding housing revitalization and affordability through Iowa Finance Authority program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Community Development Housing Finance

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